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COMM 216
Academic Articles
How do I tell if an article is academic or not?
Look for these characteristics:
|
|
Academic articles |
Non-academic articles |
|---|---|---|
|
Author |
Academic or researcher; look for author |
Editorial staff, freelance writer, possibly a |
|
Format |
Abstract/summary, charts or graphs |
Pictures, graphics |
|
Citations |
Formal bibliography; uses footnotes or |
No formal bibliography; may include |
|
Language |
Technical, assumes prior knowledge |
Short, simple language |
|
Purpose |
Report original research or experiment to |
Inform, entertain, sell a product or idea |
|
Publisher |
Professional organization |
Company, trade association |
Note author affiliations, abstract, and citation.
Note this article does not have an abstract, has pictures, and does not include citations.
Searching for Articles
The library website or library databases are a great place to find academic articles. You can usually limit your search to academic articles by selecting "scholarly" or "peer-reviewed." Check out the below videos to learn how.
Links to popular databases
Academic Search Premier (EBSCO)
This multi-disciplinary database provides full text for more than 4,500 journals, including full text from 1975-present for more than 3,700 peer-reviewed titles.
Communication & Mass Media Complete (EBSCO)
Database containing journals and author profiles in the areas of communications, media and related disciplines.
Article Searching Tutorials
Citing Articles
Library Website Citation Tool
Once you've found an article you want to use,
1. Click on "Details."
2. Click on "Actions"
3. Click on "Citation"
4. Select and copy the citation style you want to use
EBSCO Citation Tool
1. From the article or article abstract page, select the Cite Icon on the right side of the page.
2. Select the citation format you want to use and copy the citation.
Note: Always double-check your citations, as these are computer generated and may contain errors, particularly capitalization.